Poem - Blankney Wildlife

One day 1n 1995 I was walking from home to my office, a distance of not more than 500 yards. In that short distance there were five creatures killed on the road. It was that experience that inspired the following poem. I hope you enjoy it.

Blankney Wildlife

We live in the age of the motor car
There is no turning back
The village is now dissected
By a tarmac racing track
And those who race, from place to place
Seem totally unaware
Of the creatures mown down in their path
I doubt they even care
A rabbit lying in the road
Eyes still open wide
His soft fur bristles in the wind
But no heart beats inside
And further on the hedgehog
His rooting days now done
Is just a fur lined heap of spines
Baking in the sun
A mistle thrush lies by the fence
Her final song now sung
No doubt returning to the nest
To feed her hungry young
The pheasant tossed upon the verge
Plumage glistening in the sun
At least will never know his fate
One day to fly before the gun
Should we not consider more
These creatures, meek and mild
Today a rabbit, hedgehog, bird
Perhaps tomorrows child

Rodney Garlant